This half term in Year 6 the classes have loved immersing themselves in the world of Alex Rider, whilst reading Stormbreaker ( a novel by their class author Anthony Horowitz). They have explored vocabulary choices and the impact of words and phrases chosen by the author. The year group have also explored how the function and features of narrative texts differ from non-fiction texts. They have explored several fact sheets and non-chronological reports linked to their work on natural disasters. Year 6 have developed their inference skills by exploring the concept of impression. They have been working hard on their summarising skills and building their speed of retrieval.

In reading, Team DB have studied various texts throughout the half term. In the earlier weeks of the half term, Team DB concentrated on their class text, The Butterfly Lion, by the class’ acclaimed author’ Michal Morpurgo.  The children developed their ability to text mark, highlighting the pauses and the words that were emphasised whilst reading aloud. They have explored Tier 2 vocabulary, developed their understanding of this vocabulary and implemented some into their own writing. They have choral read, practised MTYT strategies to develop their fluency in reading as well as coaching one another along the way.

In reading, Team JD have worked hard to explore a variety of texts that complement their main text driver Ikabog. They've looked at fiction, non-fiction, and poetry to deepen their understanding of the story and its themes. The children have engaged with learning using text-marking strategies to improve fluency, and practiced reading with expression through ‘My Turn, Your Turn’ activities. The class have also focused on answering comprehension questions thoughtfully, using modelled responses and practical tasks to strengthen these skills.

In reading, Team LF have shown great enthusiasm while exploring a range of texts linked to their whole class text driver, Gangsta Granny. They have studied fiction, non-fiction and poetry — all chosen to support their writing outcomes. The children have deepened their understanding of Tier 2 vocabulary within each text and used text marking to develop their fluency and expression when reading aloud. By identifying where pauses and emphasis should be placed, they have practised using the MTYT (“My Turn, Your Turn”) strategy with a partner to ensure the text is read as it should sound. During active reading sessions, they have also focused on constructing modelled responses to comprehension questions (inference and explanation). These skills have been further strengthened through a range of practical comprehension tasks, helping the children to become confident, expressive and thoughtful readers.

In reading, Team CB have worked really hard to unpick a range of texts which support our whole class text driver Fantastic Mr Fox. We have studied fiction, non-fiction and poetry, all which have supported our writing outcomes. The children have explored Tier 2 vocabulary linked to each text and then used text marking to support their ability to read fluently. After identifying where pauses or emphasis is applied in the reading, children have used MTYT strategies with their partner to read the text as it should sound. We have also spent time unpicking the text to focus on forming modelled responses to comprehension questions as part of our active read lessons. We have further developed our understanding of these skills through practical comprehension tasks.

In Autumn 1, some of the children in Team JF have been continuing their learning in the Read Write Inc phonics programme by consolidating their phonics knowledge. They have been revising set 2 and set 3 sounds to improve their fluency and accuracy in reading. The children have been practising reading longer words and using Fred Talk to help them sound out unfamiliar words. They have also been focusing on spelling and writing sentences using correct sounds and tricky red words. Through regular reading and writing activities, the children have been developing confidence and independence as readers and writers.

In Autumn 1, Team AC children have been building on their phonics learning through the Read Write Inc programme. Some of them have been revising the set 2 sounds they learned in Reception and practising how to read and write these sounds confidently. The children have been blending sounds to read green words and spotting red words that cannot be sounded out. They have also been reading short stories and answering questions to show their understanding. Through daily phonics lessons, the children have grown in confidence with reading, writing, and speaking about sounds and words.